Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Gateway)

This 13,000-acre Audubon Society keystone site encompasses the largest remaining stand of old-growth bald cypress on the continent. Boasting a 200+ species list, the 2.25-mile boardwalk through this rare habitat is an easy walk with incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing. Barred Owls and Red-shouldered Hawks will watch you from low perches as you walk, while Limpkins, White Ibises, and the whole menagerie of egrets and herons (including night-herons) pick their way through the shallow swamp waters. Bring your camera! Other Florida specialties to look for include Short-tailed Hawk and Purple Gallinule. For those who want to search for the smaller birds, more than 30 species of Warbler have been recorded including Yellow-throated, Prairie and Black-throated Green. Painted Buntings are regular visitors to the bird feeding station during the winter; Woodpeckers, Ovenbirds and Swamp Sparrows are often spotted there as well. A section of the boardwalk is re-routed around a Wood Stork rookery during breeding season. Stop inside the Blair Audubon Visitor Center, where you can chat with Corkscrew volunteer naturalists, browse the sightings log, borrow a pair of binoculars, or check out the Gallery Café, Nature Store and Discovery Center. This site is a must visit. Call ahead for details about educational programs, or visit their website for more information about the Sanctuary and programs.